Golf can be a wonderful game, but it can also be a frustrating game!
The journey to get better is fun, frustrating and at the end rewarding.
We learn about ourselves and have an opportunity to compete, even if only with ourselves, every time we take to the course.
One of the fastest ways to get better at golf is to chip the ball better.
One of the key shots that every golfer who wants to score their best should be able to hit is a 9 iron chip shot.
Whether you are a 100s shooter trying to break 100 for the first time or you are trying to get to scratch, we all need to hit better chip shots and save par more often.
Here are some key stats to reaching the scratch level that all golfers can use as a benchmark.
Take special note of the scrambling percentage below.
| Greens in Regulation | 67% |
| Fairways Hit | 53% |
| Putts Per Hole | 1.67 |
| Scrambling | 54% |
| Sand Saves | 59% |
| Average Driving Distance | 251 |
This means that the average scratch golfer is able to “save par” or “get up and down” in 2 shots or less around 54% of the time. The most basic of these chips shots is the bump and run with the 9 iron.
Chipping with a 9 iron
One of the most basic chips in all of golf is the chip shot where the ball flies 1-3 yards and then starts rolling towards the hole with a high percentage of the distance travelled taking place on the playing surface of the course. This basic chip shot is the foundation and one of the first shots that most golfers can learn and can complete with a good amount of success.
Below, I will dive into some tips to help you hit this chip shot with the 9 iron.
The 5 tips for chipping with a 9 iron include:
- Use your putting grip
- Play the ball center to back in your stance
- Make a putting motion
- Read the break of the green
- Keep it simple
Chipping with a 9 iron – 5 Tips
Tip #1: Use Your Putting Grip
When I am hitting this shot I often think of simple using my putting stroke with a 9 iron. Depending on the distance the ball must travel I may use an 8 iron or 7 iron as well.
The longer the shot and the distance the ball has to roll the bigger the club I will use. The key here is to just get the ball moving in the right direction.
This starts with a basic putting grip or something that allows you to move your arms back and through the shot. The point of the putting grip is to lock your hands in and not create a ton of wrist hinge.
Most putting grips are neutral and allow your arms to rock back and forth to produce a simple motion.
Tip #2: Play the ball center to back in your stance
This will often rely on your lie that you have. If the lie is pretty standard you should play the ball around center. We want to ensure we strike the ball first before hitting the ground. Playing the ball in the center to the back of the stance helps ensure this.
If the lie is in some thicker grass and sitting down, you may want to move the ball slightly back to ensure you strike the ball first. Regardless make sure you keep the stroke balanced back and through.
Tip #3: Make A Putting Motion
Now that you have the proper grip, the ball in the right spot, go ahead and move your weight just slightly forward. You will now make an equal back and equal through putting like motion stroke.
The goal is to keep the face square and get the ball started on the right line.
The purpose of the putting motion is to eliminate the different variables that are created when hitting a chip shot. All we need in this situation is to get the ball moving in the right direction.
Too many golfers make the chip shot more difficult by unnecessary wrist hinging or taking the club too far back.
Make sure you practice this motion just to the side of the ball and take 3-5 practice swings feeling the distance of the swing and seeing how the club reacts to the grass at that point.
One more key here is to make sure you keep your head still and your eyes on the ball. You do not need movement here because it is a precision shot and not about creating distance.
Tip #4: Read the Break of the Green
HOpefully, when you get to hit this shot you are comfortable with the speed of the green. I will often choose whether I am hitting this shot with a 7, 8 or 9 iron based on the speed of the green.
I want to feel like I am hitting a 20-30 foot putt type of stroke. What club will allow me to make this simple motion?
Before you hit the shot, make sure you check out what way the green will break. Is the shot slightly uphill or downhill? Does the green run away from you after the hole?
These are the different factors that should factor into the club selection and the length of the stroke that you will make.
Tip #5: Keep It Simple!
The goal here is simplicity. We want to advance the ball and get in a 3 foot circle around the hole. If you imagine a big 3 foot circle drawn around the hole, that should be your goal.
Keep the motion simple and allow the club to do the work.
Do not stop, do not over accelerate and keep your head down.
Simple, simple, simple! Get the ball moving with this simple putting like motion with your 7, 8 or 9 iron in hand.
When to Chip with a 9 Iron?
You can hit this shot when you just barely miss the green and you are off to the edge. This basic chip shot is the foundation and the first chip shot golfers should learn to hit.
You wouldn’t use a 9 iron if you have a bunker to hit over or have to carry the ball a long way with some extra loft.
You could hit a longer bump and run if you are 10-20 yards on the approach part of the green and feel comfortable with how the ball will roll through the fringe area.
As green complexes and become undulating with more and more bunkers, the ability to use a 60 degree wedge around the greens will become vital in the overall development of a golfer.
Check out our post on when to use a 60 degree wedge!
What Percentage of the Time Should I be able to save par?
Keep track of your stats over time. The goal should be able to get up and down on these simple chip shots 40% if you are a start or trying to break 100 for the first time.
As you get into the single digits, we should be able to save par with these chip shots around 75% of the time. This is the most simple shot you might hit all day and you may even be able to roll it in for a birdie or an eagle on a par 5.
The Simple Formula for Getting Better!
Back when I was a young junior golfer I received some great advice. This advice would be perfect for the person trying to break 90 for the first time.
Here is the simple formula:
Key: Just be around the green in regulation.
For example on a par 4, you want to be within 20 yards of the putting surface after your 2nd shot. On a par 3 after your first shot and on a par 5 after your 3rd shot.
The goal now is to save par around 33% of the time. So if you missed every green in regulation, but can save your par 33% of the time, you will shoot a 42 per nine and an 84 overall.
Keep the formula simple and work on that short game.
The short game is the secret to quick improvement. As you play the game over the years, your swing will improve and your ball striking will get better. However, the fastest and easiest way to get better is with the short game.
Here are 22 practice game you can use for game improvement.
Many of these are short game routines.
BONUS TIP: How To Gain 5-8% in Swing Speed
Let’s face it, regardless of the current state of your game we all want more speed. It has become very clear the need for speed in the golf swing and there are ways to add speed! The analytics on all levels of golf show how important speed and additional speed are in reducing golf scores.
It is time to start training for some additional speed. This is a drill and training protocol that I would highly recommend.
SPEED DRILL: Increase your swing speed through overspeed training
- Check out SuperSpeed Overspeed Training Protocols
- Train every other day for 10-15 minutes.
- See a 4-6% increase in swing speed as early as the first training protocol.
The number one thing that has helped me gain significant distance is the SuperSpeed Training System. This overspeed based system where you train every other day for about 10-15 minutes with different swing sticks can help you increase your swing speed by 5-8% which can be 20-30 yards.
Who wouldn’t want an extra 20-30 yards. Plus it helps improve your mechanics.
SuperSpeed Golf – Use Discount Code Golfjourney365 for some savings!
The analytics are pretty clear on the importance of speed in the game of golf. Would you rather hit your approach shot from 130 yards of 160 yards? The answer is pretty simple! We know that over the course of time, we will hit shots from 130 yards much closer than from 160 yards, whether we are an average amateur golfer, a scratch golfer, or a PGA Tour member!
The key is having shorter approach shots, so we can hit the ball closer to the hole and then make more putts! Speed is king in the game of golf! Make sure you check out SuperSpeed Golf!
Final Thoughts: My Secret To Golf Improvement
The reality…in order to get really good at golf, we must practice frequently. About three years ago, I made the leap and invested in a golf simulator build for my garage.
I went with a SkyTrak Launch Monitor and the TGC software and can now play over 100,000 courses including Augusta, Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, Whistling Straits. St. Andrews and many other of the top 100 courses in the world.
This golf simulator setup, which is more affordable that you might imagine, has been a game changer. I can now play golf everyday of the year regardless of rain, snow, cold weather or time of day.
I can practice or play rounds of golf. I can stand in the 11th fairway at Augusta and with the auto-rewind feature I am able to practice my approach shots from various differences.
It is worth checking out through Rain or Shine Golf as they offer some incredible packages along with financing offers that are difficult to beat.
Some direct links to Rain or Shine Golf for pricing and financing:
Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better
What does this mean for you? I believe in the following recipe to get better:
1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor. Here are some options:
Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:
2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed. Here are some options:
Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:
3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier. Here is a series on breaking through:
We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.
4 – Practice Frequently
Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system? It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions: